Updated November 2023
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Hebrew; diminutive of Olavi, Finnish
"lion; ancestor's relic"
Lavi is a rare member of the trendy leonine group of names in the US, but in Israel it's among the Top 10 boy names. It makes a good alternative to Levi.
Norse
"ancestor's relic"
Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical…
Norwegian and Swedish form of Olaf
Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.
Icelandic variation of Olaf, Norse
The Icelandic form of Olaf — significantly less snowman-like while still maintaining the wintery feel.
Swedish diminutive of Olaf, Norse
Olaf is now heavily tied to the snowman from Frozen , but common nickname Olle has no such associations. Olle is a Top 30 name in Sweden, and is occasionally heard in the Netherlands as well.